view raw text
Here and There j on the Turf j j Large Field to Go in Belmont But Value Will Be Lower j Brevity May Be Second Choice j ; Jockey Insurance Gets Trial !l 1 One of the largest fields ever to start in the Belmont Stakes may be expected for the sixty-eighth running next Saturday afternoon, yet the value of the mile and a half race will be less than it. has been since 1922, when the event was lifted into the big money class. With fifteen starters, a number that seems likely at this writing, the Belmont will possess a gross worth of 6,200 and the winners net share will be 0,800. With only five starters a year ago, the race had 5,840 as Omahas .award and the all-time high is 6,040, which Omahas sire, Gallant Fox, collected in 1930. The reason for the smaller purse, even though the Westchester Racing Association continues to add 5,000, may be attributed to the change in conditions which permitted the nominations to close December 3, 1934, less than a month before the eligibles were to become two-year-olds. Formerly the Belmont had a closing for weanlings and a supplementary closing for two-year-olds, which added greatly to the value, but due to impending legislative matters in Albany at that time, it was decided to hold up conditions for the race for one year. The Belmont will run under the usual arrangement next season. To some extent the presence of so many candidates this year has been caused by the change in conditions, but another reason is the absence of a standout or two at this time of the season. Brevity is generally considered to be the leading prospect but as he has been beaten twice this year through being unfortunate in the early running, trainers of other eligibles see the chance of it happening again, thereby increasing their hopes. At any rate the prospect of such a large field has had the effect of creating interest in the race and even though Bold Venture will not be present, the public is looking forward to the race with so much expectation that Belmont Park should be in the position of accommodating its largest crowd in many years. In addition to Brevity, the most notable Belmont candidates are White Cockade and Granville, which in going to the post as an entry that also will include Teufel, will draw so much support that the trio may be held at shorter odds than Joseph E. Wide- IContinued on twenty-third pagc. HERE AND THERE ON THE TURF .Continued from second page." ners hopeful. If Granville happens to win the Suburban this afternoon with a splendid performance it is almost a certainty that Brevity will be the second choice in next Saturdays engagement. While Red Rain has lost much of his following, Cornelius Whitneys colt still has a few faithful supporters who believe he had a legitimate excuse for his disappointing effort in the Withers. It has been said that so much .sand and dust was thrown in his face in the run down the back stretch that Red Rains eyes became inflamen. Belmonts superintendent has been making a practice of sprinkling the front stretch and as the race starts in front of the stand the Whitney colt will not be called upon to take so much dust in the early stages of next Saturdays event. Count Morse, which might have defeated Rushaway in the Illinois Derby but for the interference he suffered from Dnieper through the stretch, will try for the Belmont, thereby creating Chicago interest in it. In view of the manner in which Rushaway ran in the Latonia Derby the following day, Count Morse should be respected to some extent. Hollyrood, which ran second in the Latonia Derby, is an improved colt now and quite possibly he may be found in his top form next Saturday. The long distance is expected to suit Memory Book and Teufel exactly. Other colts considered as likely starters are Banister, Bien Joli, Coldstream, Brush Hook, Jean Bart, Transporter, Corundum and Mr. Bones. Corundums mile and a furlong workout yesterday morning was very impressive. C. W. Williams and James D. Altemus have been interested for several years in working out a plan whereby insurance against injuries or death would be available to jockeys and they have progressed to the extent tnat one company has offered a rate which now is in effect at Rockingham Park, the association having agreed to stand the cost, considerable as it may be. The two brokers are anxious that the insurance be in effect at least at one track continuously for the remainder of the year, so that the company will be able to work out an experience rating and to make the premium more equitable. The trial premium is per ride on the flat and .50 in a steeplechase with the total benefit being ,500 and it is generally believed that the sum for flat jockeys is much too great for the amount of the benefits, but the company promises a reduction if and when it has a better idea of the risks. Compensation for injured jockeys long has been a problem to owners, associations and the Jockey Club, and the matter is being given much consideration by the National Association of State Racing Commissioners.
